Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockland, ME (2024 Update)
- Rockland Solar Installation Cost: $14,215
- 25-Year Savings: $12,048
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockland
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Rockland.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Rockland, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Rockland homeowner needs a 5.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,215 with the federal tax credit, or $20,327 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Rockland homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Rockland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,077 |
| 3 years | $-10,801 |
| 5 years | $-8,524 |
| 7 years | $-6,248 |
| 9 years | $-3,971 |
| 11 years | $-1,695 |
| 13 years | $582 |
| 15 years | $2,858 |
| 17 years | $5,135 |
| 19 years | $7,411 |
| 21 years | $9,688 |
| 23 years | $11,964 |
| 25 years | $14,241 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockland
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Rockland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockland
The cost of installing a solar system in Rockland can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,800 per kilowatt in Rockland.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Rockland have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Rockland, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.95 | $16,598 | $8,815 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $12,178 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $15,755 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $19,544 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $23,547 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $27,762 | 14.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $32,189 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $36,830 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Rockland, ME Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rockland?
The average cost of solar panels in Rockland is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Rockland?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Rockland, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.